Despite the obstacles of construction that have occurred off and on again this season, to make way for the LRT (ION) we are still here. Come out this Thursday between 3 pm and 7 pm.

The market has been working hard to bring vendors to the community. The market supports small local businesses, by providing an affordable outlet for them to sell their wares. It takes a community to build a community. This is something we reiterate to our market family each Thursday. A community cannot build itself. It takes the people within it to join together and lend the support that is required to maintain that our local businesses will remain within our community, despite the construction, that has thus far created some doubt in the minds of our vendors.

May 19th, 2017 | Posted by Anita in Uncategorized - (Comments Off on The Market and the Blustery Stormy Day)

Yesterday was opening day at the UpTown Waterloo Market. While set up was a little slow, we had much more to contend with.

Mother nature certainly enjoyed herself as the winds began to pick up, and the storm systems loomed overhead. Nonetheless, our vendors came and while we enjoyed seeing some familiar faces, we had the opportunity to see some new ones. The market is always a wonderful place to meet new crafters and farmers, new foodies as I like to call them, and entertainers.

We are happy to announce the return of Downie Street Bakery, where there is never a shortage of wonderful bread and sinful delights. Their Cream Cheese Brownies are simply sinful. I must say that they are moist, with the perfect amount of texture, a wonderful combination between a deep and rich chocolate, and cream cheese. I obviously had to buy one. Which I had to tell myself not to eat all at once. So I saved some for today. Their Sticky buns are divine, and I cannot wait to have some of their “Sexy Beast” granola this weekend. As Alan (the bread guy) as we call him says “you are what you eat” Downie street set up with a little bit of jazzy music to draw in our public, and greeted them with enthusiasm.

Nith Valley, of course, was on site, with their delicious crunchy vegetables, and some natural honey products. How wonderful to see them out there. While their business van was not in working order Victor showed up in the square in as he put it an “unrecognizable vehicle” ready to face the day, and whatever the weather had to bring. They had delicious greens, asparagus, and so much more. It is always nice to see those in our community ready to share such delicious and wonderful foods.

Dawn Kingsbury came from Sugar Babies Cakes, with a slew of gluten-free loaves of bread, cookies, and other delicious items. An enthusiastic kind of gal, that suits my style full of pep and ready to face the day. Sugar Babies cakes located in Elmira, came out to our little market in the square, to bring our community foods they can count on. Knowledgeable, and kind Dawn and Sugar Babies Cakes is a wonderful addition to our market.

Nikki Proctor of Recreating the Brain arrived with her unique pieces of art. No doubt one of a kind and certainly a conversation starter.

Designs by Pat arrived, and despite some hiccups, that mother nature had her hand in, set up with her own unique crafts. Nicely displayed for our patrons to view.

Alma, from Essence Handmade Bath and Skin Care, arrived with some beautiful pieces of artwork herself. her soaps are absolutely beautiful. A gal who has a passion after my own heart, making natural soaps without all of the other junk that can actually be pretty harmful. Unfortunately, the rains came and Vogueing was not going to happen, so no pictures could be gathered. ( I express with a frowny face). Alma has many other wonderful natural products, for men and women alive. Her display showed how simplicity and beautiful craftsmanship can draw the eye.

Kailey’s University Fund… Kailey came out with a bright smile, and her wares, to assist herself in finishing university. Another gal after my own heart and passion for going out in the world and making a difference in the lives of others. Kailey, studying psychology, is aimed to head into the mental health sector, where there is no doubt she will be fantastic. Her empathic skills are a valuable asset to the field. She is a wonderful new addition to the market.

Rob Case from Water Watchers was on site to present some very important information about our water, where it comes from and the impact on our environment and resources. A kind individual, ready to assist wherever needed. Even after the wallops, we received from some pretty intense weather systems.

Farm Land trust was headed up by Julia and a wonderful pal, who brought even more valuable information to the market and our community. they braved the blustery day with the rest of us, having to continually fix their display from mother natures lashings, although, they remained as optimistic as the rest of us, and we proceeded through the day.

Bernice from Special Touches arrived with her wonderful pieces. Pillows for that special place in your home, one of a kind towels, and many other beautifully crafted items. A very pleasant woman, who brings a ray of sunshine to the community. Certainly, you can find the perfect gift here for a loved one.

Two needles One Hook, ( Mandy Tempest), was my, space buddy for the day. Offering some beautiful crocheted creations, that are very intricate indeed. So bright and colorful, they make you feel like cozying up by a fire, with a cup of tea. Her display is inviting and creates a certain ambiance in the marketplace. Always working on something, she is busily working to bring our community some more one-of-a-kind items, and a perfect gift for that someone on your list. My favorite is the barrettes, and baby sandals.

CeresAmbrosia (that’s me) arrived, with more soaps and sewing projects to share with our community. the blustery weather even had me running after items as the winds showed us no mercy.

Then came the rain, or should we call it rain. It was like sheets of water drenching everything in its path. We held steadfast to the tent as the winds were determined to sweep us away to Oz.

Sylvia Hook, one of our Board members was on site to assist in setting up the market, and helping me to carry out water for our vendors, should they need in the dragging heat.

Despite the weather, we stayed determined. Although, as the weather worsened we were asked to close down the market for the safety of our vendors. We cannot wait for next week and are hoping for better weather. As our market continues to grow in numbers, we will have many more talents and delicious eats to bring to our community.

Here’s to a wonderful season filled with wonderful and maybe surprising things.

Today is opening day for the UpTown Waterloo Market. Located in the Civic Square in front of The Shops in Uptown Waterloo and Beer Town.

Today marks the opening of a new season for the UpTown Waterloo Market. It marks the first day of an exciting season. We are happy to see some familiar faces returning and excited to meet new vendors. The UpTown Waterloo Market has been home to many vendors in Waterloo Region and surrounding areas.

I can see some sun shining through the clouds that I woke up to this morning, that seemed to loom overhead. The market will run rain or shine, and we will make the best day we can out of whatever the weather has to bring. It is an exciting time when everyone steps out from their heated houses and faces the spring with gratitude and excitement. A time where many talents greet each other with a kind hello, and a chance for the region to meet the talents of our community.It shall be an exciting day! Space ( as we do not have doors) will open at 3 PM. See you all there!

May 7th, 2017 | Posted by Anita in Recipes - (Comments Off on What’s in Season, In May?)

While there may not always seem to be much in season in May, with the vast use of greenhouses, we are able to bring more to your table. While some of these tasty morsels will vary by where you live and the time of the month here are some ideas of what may be in season in May.

May 7th, 2017 | Posted by Anita in Events - (Comments Off on Market Day is Fast Approaching!)

We are gearing up for the market season, and it appears to be approaching faster than we anticipated. Applications for the start date will be accepted up until May 14, 2017, for best choices in the placement of your booth/s. The market will do everything it can to assist vendors in snapping up that special space. The Civic Square has added some wonderful new things. A giant Scrabble board, for those who are word lovers at heart, a Snakes and Ladders board for those who wish to relive a childhood favorite or introduce a new generation to a classic game. The Giant Jenga game will be out for those who want to test their skills and a story for the children to follow and choose their own adventure. The market will be ensuring that we attempt not to block off these wonderful new additions. They tend to add a little more ambiance to the market and taunt us while we are selling our wares.

While some changes will occur this season, we are still the same friendly family of food and craft vendors, that have always met each season in the Civic Square. A family of individuals, and or families that wish to share with the community everything they have to offer. I am anticipating the start date, and cannot wait to see what our vendors bring. It is always so wonderful to see all of the fantastic crafts, and smell, all of the wonderful food smells. The smell of fresh baked bread, that calls out to us, the beautiful colors of the fresh produce, enticing us to bring them to our dinner tables. Finding that one great find, we can’t wait to tell a friend or family member about. This is what the market is all about. With friendly service and many smiles, the market becomes a favorite place for everyone. A place where everyone is accepted and everyone can enjoy the atmosphere.

We are excited to see some of our returning vendors, this season. We have missed many of our market family as the construction proved to be cruel. However, we can make it through even the darkest, noisiest and dirtiest of times, and come together once again. Opening Day is May 18, 2017, 3-7 pm, in our beloved spot in the Uptown Waterloo Public Square located at 75 King Street South in

April 27th, 2017 | Posted by Anita in Uncategorized - (Comments Off on Almost Market Season!)

It is almost Market Season!

Everyone is gearing up to get down to business and get the season underway. The market is working hard to ensure we are ready to set up.

We have decided, to open a little earlier this season. May 18th is opening day, don’t forget to mark your calendars!

We are looking for volunteers to assist in setup and takedown of the market each week. As a community, within a community, it is important to work together, to make our market successful.

Let’s all work together to bring our community the best it has to offer. We are excited to see returning vendors. Many vendors have been with the market for a long time.

These vendors have become a staple component of the UpTown Waterloo market and help us maintain a family friendly atmosphere.

Our returning vendors have always supported the market and its patrons. As a smaller community within the larger community, we strive to bring the best goods and services to our community.

We are always welcoming new vendors and look forward to seeing all of the great talents, of the many vendors.

Vendor applications will be accepted for the May 18 start date Until May 10, 2017. Although, good news, the market will be accepting vendor applications year round. Even during the offseason, when the market is not in operation.

April 11th, 2017 | Posted by Anita in Uncategorized - (Comments Off on 2017 Market Season Information about Applications and Changes)

The 2017 Market Season is fast approaching us. We have requested an earlier start date from the City of Waterloo, ( approximately May 18) who believed as much as we do that some extra weeks will be beneficial to all of us who attend as vendors, as well as our community members to be able to come out and enjoy our market just a little longer in the season. We welcome your comments and or suggestions regarding this start date).

The market for many of us is an exciting time. There are always new things to see, taste, and try. Having a market is an important staple in every community. It not only brings the community together, it displays some of the local talents our community has available. Last season was a rough one indeed, and while we fought to stay on top, it was difficult. With the looming LRT construction now almost complete in the area, this season should be met with more promise. While there will be periodic construction, the city does not believe it should impact us at the market too much.

Many vendors last season were missed by those who were regular visitors to their stalls. We hope that we will see our previous vendors return. The market is undergoing some new changes. These changes are to build up our market in the best possible ways. We have teamed up with the City of Waterloo, and are excited to be in collaboration. Having the City of Waterloo collaborate with us, will assist us as a small business to blossom in the community. The current board is working on some positive changes for the market. We know that these changes will take time, to implement, and hope that any transitioning will not be difficult for our vendors. We believe in order for our market to grow change is what we must seek. While many things will remain the same, slight changes will be made to better the future of our market.

On the Board:

Anita D’Hondt – Chair/Onsite and Vending Coordinator

Nathan Klassen – Co- Chair

Mandy Tempest – Assistant Vending Coordinator, member at large

Sylvia Hook – Secretary

Brenda Hodge has sadly stepped down this season as Treasurer, at current this position will not be open, although at a later date will open for a qualified applicant.

We would like to thank Brenda for all of her hard work, and dedication to the market and the board as treasurer. We hope that Brenda will continue with the market as a vendor, for many more seasons to come.

The Market is still looking for board members to assist in running the market if you are interested in a position on the board, please forward an email to uptownmarketwaterloo@gmail.com.

Please include the following;

Name and contact information

Best time to reach you

How you would like to assist (i.e. what position open you would like to assist with)

How much time you have to assist the market each week/month

What qualifications you may have that may be an asset to the market

References

We would like to thank you in advance for your interest in joining our market board. Please note that some positions will be open to the public, so please do not hesitate to contact the market about interest in joining the board.

The market is also looking for volunteers!

Volunteers will assist with set-up and take down of our market each market day. Volunteers may also be asked to complete simple tasks associated with the market from time to time. Market vendors, who wish to volunteer to assist with set up and take down are welcome.

This is a great way for high school, or other students to obtain the necessary community service hours required by their academic institution. Hours will be signed for on a weekly basis.

We hope to meet with a great season, and see all of our vendors out there this season. Together we will make our community grow, and shine.

APPLICATIONS

The 2017 applications will be posted on the website by Tuesday, April 14, 2017. For those wishing to apply sooner please email the market @ uptownmarketwaterloo@gmail.com and a copy will be emailed to you.

There are some changes coming to the policies, procedures, and by-laws. All vendors will be emailed a new and updated copy of these in the next few weeks.

We thank you all once again for all of your hard work, determination, and dedication to the market. In addition, we would like to thank you for your patience during these changes, we are working as diligently as possible to meet with all necessities for the market.

March 7th, 2017 | Posted by Anita in Uncategorized - (Comments Off on What’s In Season For March?)

March Begins to mark the coming of spring. A time of year where the world seems to come alive again.

The green begins to peek through the white overcoat, and the birds become more plentiful. The aroma of the air begins to shift, and we become impatient awaiting spring’s arrival.

March makes way for the Irish Celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. Where there is no shortage of the color green, to remind us of frolicking in the supple grass. We begin to hear more of

the patter of young feet hitting the now barren pavement. The sounds of joyous yelps and screams begin to fill the air, and, where walking the family pet, is beginning to seem like a worthy past time.

Although the chill of winter still sets upon us, as mother nature cannot quite seem to make up her mind, on what season we should be in. Where comfort food still reigns over us

and invites us to sit by a cozy fire, possibly curl up with a good book and spend some much needed time with family and friends.

A time where family gatherings are still littered with bulky, warm sweaters and slippers gently gliding across the floor.

We often wonder what is in season, and how can we prepare these foods differently from the usual steaming or boiling?

Here are some new ideas, or perhaps some new twists to old ideas for preparing in season fruits and veggies in March.

Some delicious foods are available in March, some that have become old family favorites, and some that hold old family secrets. Among the available (in season) fruits and vegetables, carrots are already

well known to us all. It may seem hard these days to come up with some more creative ways to both prepare and serve these foods, yet we may just find a gem within our old family recipes,

or a new way to make something with a search of the internet, or delving into those cookbooks sitting in the corner of the kitchen, or on a slightly dusty shelf, somewhere in our homes.

Some other wonderfully delicious and healthy veggies also share a season in March;